What is required when closing a health record in case of death or declared death?

What is required when closing a health record in case of death or declared death?

• A. Records can be forwarded any time.
• B. Records delivered to the command maintaining the member's service record no later than the day following separation; in case of death, a copy of the death certificate accompanies.
• C. Only the medical portion needs to be transmitted.
• D. Records should be destroyed.

Answer: (B)

When a service member dies or is declared dead, the entire health record must be promptly forwarded to the command that maintains the member’s service record, no later than the day after separation. If death has occurred, a copy of the death certificate must accompany the record. This ensures the official service record remains complete and accurate, preserving medical history for administrative, benefits, and historical purposes. Transmitting only part of the record or destroying it would leave gaps or a misrepresented file, and forwarding it at an unspecified time would hinder proper processing.

When a service member dies or is declared dead, the entire health record must be promptly forwarded to the command that maintains the member’s service record, no later than the day after separation. If death has occurred, a copy of the death certificate must accompany the record. This ensures the official service record remains complete and accurate, preserving medical history for administrative, benefits, and historical purposes. Transmitting only part of the record or destroying it would leave gaps or a misrepresented file, and forwarding it at an unspecified time would hinder proper processing.